Canada was originally settled by the First Nation people and the Intuit many thousands of years ago. Europeans arrived briefly in 1000 AD, but didn't return until 1497 when John Cabot explored the Atlantic Coast for Great Britain. Later explorers from other countries would arrive including Jacques Cartier from France who explored the St. Lawrence River and surrounding areas. The first permanent settlements were French. Led by Samuel de Champlain, the French established Port Royal and Quebec City in the early 1600s.

After the Seven Years War most of Canada became part of the British Empire. In 1840, the Act of Union created the United Province of Canada. Canada continued to expand and in 1867 was officially proclaimed the Canadian Confederation. There were four provinces in the Confederation including Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Ontario. Soon British Columbia, Rupert's Land, and the Northwest Territory all became part of Canada. Britain, however, still maintained control over Canada's foreign affairs. In 1831, through the Statute of Westminster, Canada became a fully independent nation.

Canada is a large geographic country that is rich in natural resources. Canadians hope to develop their natural resources and energy sources while still protecting the environment.